Stories of
American Heroes -
Brought to you from the "Home of Heroes" - Pueblo, Colorado

Joseph Timothy O'Callahan

TAPS

Fading light dims the sight,
And a star gems the sky,
Gleaming bright.
From afar drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, From the hills,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Then good night, Peaceful night,
Till the light of the dawn
Shineth bright,
God is near, do not fear,
Friend, good night.

Holy Cross College Cemetery

Born:May 14, 1904 at Boston, MA

Entered
Service in the US Navy from Massachusetts

Earned The Medal of Honor During World War II For heroism
March 19, 1945 at Kobe, Japan

Died:March
18, 1964 at the age of 59

Chaplain
O'Callahan was serving as chaplain on board the U.S.S. Franklin
when that vessel was fiercely attacked by enemy aircraft during
offensive operations near Kobe, Japan. Calmly braving the
perilous barriers of flame and twisted metal he aided his men
and his ship, groping his way through smoke-filled corridors to
the open flight deck and into the midst of exploding bombs,
shells, rockets, and other armament. With the ship rocked by
incessant explosions, with debris and fragments raining down and
fires raging in ever-increasing fury, he ministered to the
wounded and dying, comforting and encouraging men of all faiths;
he organized and led firefighting crews into the inferno on the
flight deck; he directed the jettisoning of live ammunition and
the flooding of the magazine; he manned a hose to cool hot,
armed bombs rolling dangerously on the listing deck. He
continued his efforts, despite searing, suffocating smoke which
forced men to fall back gasping. Serving with courage,
fortitude, and deep spiritual strength, Lieutenant Commander
O'Callahan inspired the gallant officers and men of the Franklin
to fight heroically and with profound faith in the face of
almost certain death and to return their stricken ship to port.